International Sailors Blow into Town

Darwin to Bali Yacht Race Hailed a Great Success – Great Sailing Reported by Captains and Crew.

(8/6/2001) Last Friday, July 27, some 130 guests including Bali's Governor, the Commander of the Indonesian Navy, and Officials of the Benoa Harbor in Bali gathered at the Bali Yacht Club Restaurant to celebrate the completion of the Darwin, Australia to Bali Yacht Club Race and to award line honors to the top vessels and their crews. Some 17 ship's participated in this year's race that got underway on July 21 in Darwin.

Claiming line honors for the fastest time was the sailing yacht Helsal II followed by Australian Maid in the second spot. The rankings were reversed when adjusted for handicaps putting Australian Maid in the top spot and Helsal II at #2.

In the Cruising Class Division Total Devotion was first in port.

The sail from Darwin to Bali was very brisk with the Captain of the Helsal II clocking speeds of 31 knots over 300 miles during a 24 hours period in his 20 year old racing yacht. Corrected time for Helsal II for the entire sail from Darwin to Paradise was 133 hours 14 minutes, crossing the finish line just 3 hours after Australian Maid.

The Bali to Ambon yacht race was moved to Bali for the first time this year and, based on the enthusiastic reception the sailors received in Bali, may now become a regular fixture on Bali Yacht Clubs calendar.